Latest Phil-Comics auction includes terrific batches of classic British comics

By John Freeman on November 23, 2022

A bumper crop of over 300 comic auctions can be found in the latest Phil-Comics auction on ebay this week, including early 2000AD, DC Archive Editions, lots of British comic batches from the 1960s and 70s, single issue special issues, free gifts and much, much more.

Here are just some of the items on offer – check out the full catalogue here

Beano No. 453 cover dated 24th March 1951, featuring the second “Dennis the Menace” strip (Easter issue) — *Beano* No. 453 cover dated 24th March 1951, featuring the second “Dennis the Menace” strip (Easter issue)

A rare Beano “Bash Street Kids” Printer's Proof from 1959 - Leo Baxendale Art — A rare *Beano* “Bash Street Kids” Printer’s Proof from 1959 – Leo Baxendale Art

Beano No. 1268, cover dated 5th November 1966, a classic Fireworks cover — *Beano* No. 1268, cover dated 5th November 1966, a classic fireworks cover

Buster and Jet (1972) - Assorted — One of several “batch lots” of *Buster*, these published in 1972, in the latest Phil-Comics auction, which also includes single issues of early editions of the long-running weekly comic

Judy No. 1, cover dated 16th January 1960

Lady Penelope No. 103, cover dated 6th January 1968, which saw the debut of its “Crossroads” strip, based on the ITV soap

Lion (1965) - Various — Lion (1965) – Various

Solo No. 1, cover dated 18th February 1967, an eclectic adventure title

Supercar Comic Book (1962) with a cover by the legendary Brian Lewis

Thunder No. 1, cover dated 17th October 1970. This short-lived weekly featured the debut of “Adam Eterno” and “Black Max“. The title was merged with Lion, victim to a “Hatch, Match and Dispatch” program that must have left both editorial and creatives regularly demoralised at a lack of faith in their work by IPC management. It certainly annoyed comic readers.

Tiger and Hurricane free gift from the issue cover dated 14th October 1967 - a Football Club Badges Album — Tiger and Hurricane free gift from the issue cover dated 14th October 1967 – a Football Club Badges Album

TV Comic Holiday Special 1965 (incomplete, but includes the “Doctor Who” strip)

TV Century 21 No. 1, cover dated 23rd January 2065 - beamed from the future! — TV Century 21 No. 1, cover dated 23rd January 2065 – beamed from the future!

Victor comics, 1965 — 1965 Victor comics, a “batch lot”

Warlord No. 1, cover dated 28th September 1974, with free gift wallchart

Willy the Kid No. 1 by Leo Baxendale (1976)

Wolvertoons: The Art of Basil Wolverton 1989 Comic

Run by Phil Shrimpton, Phil-Comics specialises in vintage comics and related items such as annuals, holiday specials, free gifts and original artwork.

Holding monthly eBay auctions, often with a huge number of listings, they aim to bring a diverse array of items – and are always on the lookout for vintage comic collections, either to buy or auction on commission.

• Head to www.ebay.co.uk/str/philcomics for the full catalogue

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.